Introduction.

Just like the first edition of this widely successful book the second edition provides latest updates of our understanding of pathophysiology, pathology, clinical presentation and treatment of heritable soft connective tissue diseases. In addition, new knowledge of not only structures but also of functions of basic components of connective tissues (e.g., collagen), and of organs such as tendons has been added as well. Moreover, readers will learn more about new syndromes and new subgroups of previously described syndromes and disorders as well. The authors are not only prominent investigators in their field, but they are also good writers and that should provide an additional incentive for interested readers.